10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
30,169 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2016 Ford F-150:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #152

Dec 232023

F-150

  • miles
I have excessive corrosion on my transfer case. Some of the aluminum has been eaten away where steel bolts pass through into the transfer case.

- Washington, MI, USA

problem #151

Nov 292023

F-150

  • miles
On 2/18/2019 took the F-150 to Mathews Ford Marion Ohio service to address several issues. First, the tailgate had unexpectedly opened striking a trailer jack and damaging the tailgate. Tailgate opening while driving with cargo could result in cargo falling onto roadway. Damaged tailgate remains on the truck and is available for further inspection. Second, the owner heard rubbing/grinding noises when switching in and out of 4 wheel drive. The service technician could not replicate either issue. On 11/29/2023 took the F-150 to Leroy's Service Center in Delaware Ohio as the dashboard indicated several messages including required oil change (although odometer showed an oil change was not needed for another 3,000 miles compared to oil change sticker on windshield), a large yellow wrench adjacent to required oil change message, a small yellow wrench below required oil change message, and a yellow check engine light. Twice there was sensation of slipping (applying gas but no movement). Once parked in Leroy's lot the truck could not be started. Service technicians suspected LEAD frame failure. Service technician replaced the original LEAD frame with Ford Part numbers 2592734 and aL3z-7g276-d 1x (off replacement part box). I retained malfunctioning part for inspection if desired. Numbers off the malfunctioning part include aL3p-7g276-ak a9-21416-0998 c108p; Ford b556d; 3264 487 321 09 330743; Continental 3a8214160008 a2c53308751. Malfunctioning transmission while driving could cause unexpected vehicle slowing or stoppage. In summary, experienced unexpected tailgate opening, History of transmission issues (unexpected sounds when switching into or out of 4 wheel drive), and failure of the LEAD frame with slipping and inability to start vehicle after it was parked.

- Delaware, OH, USA

problem #150

Oct 132023

F-150

  • miles
Vehicle is experiencing delayed shifting and down-shifting at inappropriate times. Rear wheels will occassionally lock-up causingthe truck to slide sideways. Orange wrench light is on and the check engine light as well. It shows the following codes--P0706-00, P0707-00, P1702-00, AND P1921-00.

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #149

Sep 272023

F-150

  • miles
The transmission Lead Frame has failed. This is the same problem we had with our 2013 F150 under campaign number 19N01. This is a common problem with the ford transmission that continues to occur. Ford should be made to support this issue since it can lead to severe accidents if the transmission was to lock up or shift to a lower gear abruptly while in motion.

- Spokane Valley, WA, USA

problem #148

Jul 172023

F-150

  • 136,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle independently shifted gears. The contact stated that the gears independently shifted from any gear to neutral. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with lead frame failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

- Plymouth, MI, USA

problem #147

Sep 032023

F-150

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently shifted into an unintended gear and the vehicle jerked. The contact then stated that the service warning light illuminated and then disabled other undisclosed functions on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and produced code: P0705 due to the transmission range sensor circuit malfunctioning. The contact was informed that the transmission range sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Pocatello, ID, USA

problem #146

Sep 292023

F-150

  • miles
2016 FORD F150 WITH 55,000 MILES.STARTED DRIVING VEHICLE, ENGINE RPM DROPPED, ENGINE MISSING AND SHAKING. NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. VEHICLE JUST IDLED HORRIBLY. DASH HAD LARGE WRENCH SYMBOL AND AN "ACCUTRAC SERVICE NEEDED" WARNING. i TURNED OFF IGNITION, RESTARTED VEHICLE. SAME RESULTS. I DID THIS 4-5 MORE TIMES. LAST TIME VEHICLE IDLED OKAY AND ACCELERATED. DROVE THE VEHICLE 60 MILES HOME WITH NO THER ISSUES. CHECKED WITH AN OBD-II DIAGNOSTICS AND GAVE 2 CODES: P2111 THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM-STUCK OPEN AND P2112 THROTTLE ACTUATOR CONTROL SYSTEM-STUCK CLOSED. NOW, NOW WARNING LIGHT OR ANY INDICATION OF PROBLEM ON DASH. NO WARNING LAMPS PRIOR TO PROBLEM. SAFETY WAS AT RISK BECAUSE WITHOUT WARNING, PULLING OUT INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC AND LOSING THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE WITH TRAFFIC COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. LOOKING THIS PROBLEM UP IN AN ONLINE FORD F150 FORUM INDICATES THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM. WHY HAS THERE BEEN NO RECALL FOR THIS POTENTIALLY DEADLY ENGINE FAILURE CIRCUMSTANCE?

- Arvada, CO, USA

problem #145

Sep 202023

F-150

  • miles
Extreme corrosion to the transfer case casting around all of the fasteners. The corrosion is so bad that the case is starting to separate and leak fluid. There is a severe vibration in the drive train and it is believed to be the cause.

- Mount Vernon , OH, USA

problem #144

Aug 182023

F-150

  • miles
On three occasions my vehicle went into a -??FAIL-SAFE MODE-??. The first occurrence happened while I-??m driving on dry pavement at approx 45mph. Unexpectedly the engine shakes and slowed the vehicle to 5mph while I-??m in medium to heavy traffic. I was on a two lane road and had to quickly pull off to the shoulder. The second occurrence was while I was merging in heavy traffic and accelerating into the flow of that traffic. As the FAIL-SAFE MODE made my vehicle rapidly slow the cars behind me had to swerve and make fast lane changes. I engaged my emergency flashers to caution other drivers until I could escape the roadway on to a private driveway. The third occasion was similar to the first. Each time the FAIL-SAFE MODE happened a warning message appeared on my dash with a description of the problem and a large wrench appeared. Two different messages appeared. Twice the message was regarding a failure in the TRACTION. CONTROL. Once the message was about a problem with the HILL DESCENT CONTROL. After each event I turned off the engine, waited a few minutes, restarted the engine and was able to drive away like nothing happened. The owners manual instructed me to stop driving and have the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer has now had my vehicle for a month. They computer on this vehicle erases the code when the engine is restarted. So they cannot fix this problem. I asked the service manager at the dealership to reach out to the manufacturer which he did. The manufacture-??s response was -??without a code we can-??t diagnose the problem, give the vehicle back to the guest-??. This is a serious safety issue, a vehicle that would come to a crawl while in traffic. This would put myself and other drivers at risk. The dealer wants me to drive the vehicle to have the issue duplicate itself and then what?

- Traverse City, MI, USA

problem #143

Aug 252023

F-150

  • miles
I have replaced four turbos directly from board on the driver side only and now my transmission decided to lock up on me on the freeway at 75 mph and they're saying that it was a lead frame problem which Ford doesn't have any they're on backorder for months

- Seville Ohio, OH, USA

problem #142

Aug 242023

F-150

  • miles
The vehicle experienced intermittent starting issues for a few days, then left my son stranded in the middle of an intersection after it would not crank. Was able to finally get it started and get it home, but had to get it towed to the dealership the next day. I was able to get a code with a scanner that pointed to a fault in the transmission range sensor circuit. I did some research and discovered the problem was likely a defective molded lead frame inside the transmission. There have been many instances when this part has failed and there was a known problem with earlier model year vehicles that had an extension of the factory warranty. I paid to have the repair completed at a cost of $1430.31 but I believe this should have been a service bulletin item or a recall because of previously reported problems. I was without this vehicle for over 2 weeks.

- Williamston, MI, USA

problem #141

Jul 102023

F-150

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed lead frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

- Lake Forest, CA, USA

problem #140

Aug 282023

F-150

  • miles
My 2016 Ford F-150 supercab is leaking transmission fluid. Noticed the gasket is leaking from the transfer case. Took it to the dealership and they said that it can not be repaired and needs to be replaced because it is coroded and it will take a couple of months to get the parts because the special bolts are on back order. The replacement will cost me $3900 and they said i should not be driving it. I can go without a vehicle for 2 months while waiting for parts. Meantime I have to drive it while it's leaking. Have no choice can't afford to rent a car I have heard this happening to others having the same problem where the bolts are coroded and leaking with the same Borg Warner transfer case that was put on by Ford factory

- Rochester , NY, USA

problem #139

Jul 012023

F-150

  • miles
Transmission shifts into lower gears at highway speeds sometimes into reverse or neutral.

- Batavia, OH, USA

problem #138

May 252023

F-150

  • 116,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unintendedly downshifted from 5th to 1st gear, causing the vehicle to stall and inadvertently lose motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted, and the contact was able to safely drive the vehicle to his destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that he contacted the dealer by phone and was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

- Reno, NV, USA

problem #137

Jul 202023

F-150

  • 89,108 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted randomly. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the leadframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,108.

- Hazlet, NJ, USA

problem #136

Jul 312023

F-150

  • miles
The ford 2.7 liter eco boost engine has a design flaw that leads to the engine oil pan to leak around the seal which creates an environmental concern for leaking oil on the ground and also poses a fire risk as the oil could potentially contact something hot and could flame up. This is a known issue that many 2.7 liter eco boost engine owners have had to deal with and some of them have had to make the costly repair more than once. Ford only has issued a TSB 23-2083 for this issue and will not do a recall unless the NTSB says per their customer service at Ford corporate who handled my case that I had opened up.

- Downing, WI, USA

problem #135

Jul 302023

F-150

  • 122,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the vehicle downshifted to 1st gear unintendedly. The contact veered to the side of the roadway. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact drove to the nearby residence and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated that upon shifting into drive (D), the vehicle responded but jolted. Additionally, the shift indicator light was inoperable. The contact stated that he shifted into park (P) and shifted back into drive (D) several times, and the vehicle jolted and made an abnormal clunking sound. The vehicle then responded as needed, however, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he used an OBD reader to determine that the failure was related to a transmission sensor. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

- Glastonbury, CT, USA

problem #134

Apr 062023

F-150

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while attempting to open the driver-??s side front door from inside the vehicle, the door failed to open. The contact attempted to open the passenger-??s side front door from inside the vehicle and the door failed to open. The contact called a family member to open the doors from outside the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V652000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). Additionally, on another occasion while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle would not accelerate as needed with an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #133

Jun 022023

F-150

  • miles
My vehicle check engine light and wrench light came on suddenly. My transmission got stuck in 5th gear. Upon arriving to the stop light the transmission wouldn-??t downshift leading me to start off very slow. The car behind me almost rear ended me. Once I was up to about 50 mph, the transmission downshifted to 2nd gear obviously at high rpm-??s and it felt like someone rear ended me. I see this was an issue that had a recall issued on 2011-2013 F150-??s. I believe there is another issue or one that wasn-??t resolved. There are several complaints online about the part being on backorder for months, which was also confirmed by my dealership once the diagnostic was completed. My vehicle is a 2016 with only 59k miles on it. This $1100 repair should be covered by Ford Motor Company.

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »